Chacona Johnson named Wayne State foundation president

Chacona Johnson has been named Wayne State University’s new vice president for development and alumni affairs, and the president of the Wayne State University Foundation.

Johnson had been the university’s interim vice president for development and alumni affairs. She joined the university in 2012 as associate vice president for principal gifts and executive vice president of the foundation.

She replaces David Ripple, who is leaving May 2 to become vice president of development at Ohio State University.

Johnson’s appointment is effective May 3.

“Wayne State has been a part of my life and my family for many years,” Johnson said in a news release. “I believe deeply in the university’s mission and the future of the city of Detroit. It will be a pleasure to contribute to both through partnerships with our alumni, friends and the local community.”

Prior to joining Wayne State, Johnson held positions at the University of Michigan as director of principal gifts, chief of staff to the president and associate vice president for development. She is also a former president and CEO of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.